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Bull’s Run Winter Newsletter
December, 2013
Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum is a non-profit volunteer organization located in NE Butler County and serving the surrounding community. We are dedicated to preserving the natural area of Bull’s
Run, and strive to develop the park as an environmental facility and educational resource for people of all ages.
YOUR ARBORETUM THROUGH THE SEASONS OF 2013
WINTER - The first event of 2013 was the winter tree identification workshop. This popular program brought
new light to the “bare twigs” of the woods in winter for those who attended. Winter Nature TOTS,
preschoolers and their caregivers, had loads of fun discovering plenty to see and do outside during nature’s
down time. The winter snows added a sentimental blanket of white and made a walk in the woods picturesque.
SPRING – The spring wildflowers brought splashes of color to the forest
floor before the trees reached their full leaf potential. Several guided walks
helped visitors appreciate the diversity of the wildflowers found in the 11
acres of the Arboretum. Spring Nature TOTS got to explore the seasonal
changes and the creek. In late spring, Bull’s Run benefited from another
Eagle Scout project when Casey Mooney and members of Troop 829,
replaced the steps up to the prairie.
SUMMER – The heavy rains of early summer created a challenge for our major project this
year of replacing 2 bridges. We received grant monies from Middletown Community
Foundation and the Miriam G. Knoll foundation to combine with the funds generously
given by friends of Bull’s Run. While the planning process coordinated by Jennifer Chen
took months, the visible work along the stream began in late June and was completed July
12. The prairie was colorful for the Prairie Walk in August. Nature Tots who came for a
reunion over the summer found pawpaws hanging from the trees and more changes to the
woods.
FALL - The first day of autumn ushered in our first Treasures in the Trees,
featuring 8 local direct-sale vendors and crafts filling the tables at the shelter with
items for sale. Charlene Newman did a wonderful job planning this new venture.
Miller Ridge Elementary scheduled outdoor education tours for 3 classes in
October. At the Ohio University Extension’s Annual Conference and Awards
Dinner for Master Gardener Volunteers held in early October, the State Winner –
Invasive Species Initiative in the Large Category was Bull’s Run Arboretum Amur
Honeysuckle Eradication. The Annual meeting held at Verity Lodge on MUM
campus featured, Brian Jorg, horticulturalist from the Cincinnati Zoo, speaking on
the Boyer wetland restoration project. Three memorial trees were planted in late
fall. The first was a black gum, given in memory of Virginia Christy, a former
Arboretum president and long-time volunteer. The second was a service berry, replanted in memory of Ruth
Waxweiler, and the third, a Rising Sun Redbud, replaced a tree in memory of Myron Newton.
WINTER – The last event of 2013 at Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum will be the Christmas Bird
Count on December 21 at 9am. This annual walk through the woods brings the seasons full cycle.
HAVE YOU TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT YOUR ARBORETUM IN EVERY SEASON?
Page 1
WHAT DOES YOUR MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT?
Your contributions to Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum support the educational outreach
programs, land stewardship efforts, facility improvements and the general administration of the organization.
The educational outreaches into the community include the naturalist’s programs of Nature Tots (free
to members), guided school tours throughout the year (free to school students), and the Winter Tree
Identification class (half price to members). There are also seasonal tours featuring spring wildflowers,
summer prairie plants, Fall Family Festival, and the Christmas Bird Count (free to the public). Outreach into
the community beyond the 11-acres on Rosedale Road this past year included a presence at the Senior
Citizen’s Father’s Day Car Show in June, Middletown’s National Night Out in August and the Annual
Meeting at MUM in October.
Land stewardship at Bull’s Run includes hundreds of volunteer man-hours maintaining the trails,
removing invasive plants, and transplanting in native herb and woody species to take their rightful place to
increase the biodiversity at the arboretum. We also rely on many community organizations, including church
groups and scout projects, to improve the trail system with replacing steps, reapplying mulch, and removing
encroaching growth along the trails.
Facility improvements took an enormous leap
this year with the replacement of two bridges. Your
contributions to the bridge fund, along with grants from
the Middletown Community Foundation and the Miriam
G. Knoll Foundation, made it possible to remove and
rebuild the two largest bridges along the main trail at the
farthest corner of the park. We have also received an
additional grant from the S.L. Gimbel Foundation for
additional improvements to the trail system and the two
remaining bridges scheduled to be replaced in the near
future. The shelter is also in need of some repairs. An
additional storage shed from the Amanda School project
from several years ago has been relocated to Bull’s Run since Thanksgiving.
The general administration of Bull’s Run includes the printing and mailing of newsletters,
acknowledging your donations and memberships, and rental of our office space at Church of the Ascension.
Without the efforts of the only paid employee, the part-time naturalist, Barb Reuss, our efforts would
be haphazard. Without the dedication of our volunteer Board of Directors, there would be no guidance.
Without the many community volunteers, the arboretum and the trails would be overgrown. Without your
support, Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum would not exist. Thank you to one and all!
THE GREAT WILD ANIMAL DEBATE
As each of us gazes out our window, we may see any number of local wildlife from colorful birds to
chattering squirrels. For the most part, I’d say each of us to some extent enjoys some contact with the animals
that live around us, and appreciate the wonder and beauty they provide. But what about those pesky raccoons
that invade our attics or chimneys? Or that groundhog that dens under our porch
and raids our garden? In these instances, we may find ourselves at our wits end!
Yet many of us are not willing to call the exterminator and permanently eliminate
the animal, after all these creatures have the right to exist and provide useful
ecological roles. But we desperately want the nuisance animal off our property!
So, what is the next best thing you may think? Let’s just catch the animal and
move it to some nice green space in town, like a park or nature sanctuary; problem
solved! Well, not really. In fact, many problems surround this “solution”. First and possibly foremost, this is
illegal and punishable under the law. Not only is it illegal to dump or abandoned domestic animals per Ohio
statute chapter 959.01, it is also illegal to relocate wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, skunks, or any of that
other “pest” wildlife per Ohio Administrative Code 1501:31-15-03. Page 2
What?! Now why is it illegal to move an animal you might ask. Well, if a wild animal is discovered that may
pose a health risk, authorities need to know what area that animal originated from and any other animals with
which it may have come in contact. This is hard to do if the animal had just been dropped off by John Smith
from who knows where. Also, an animal may be taking care of young, or the animal may be a juvenile that is
not old enough to disperse from its mother’s home range yet. Different species have different maturation rates
and habitat requirements.
While we may mean well moving an animal somewhere we think is appropriate, let’s face it, most of
us are not zoologists. But the BIGGEST problem of moving a nuisance animal is that you do not address the
reason why that animal was there in the first place. And this means that soon a new animal is going to move in
and the cycle starts all over again.
So if it is bad to move an animal according to the law, for the
sake of the health of my community, for the animal itself, and because it
doesn’t really solve the problem, what the heck do we do to stop these
wildlife conflicts? Great question! The truth is there are easy steps we
can take to make our perfect home a very undesirable home to these
animals, thus actually alleviating the underlying issue. Our goal should
be to remove any attractants or incentives for wildlife that we do not
necessarily want hanging around. Here are some tips:
Habitat modification
Remove tree branches that overhang the roof to limit access to chimney or attics.
Do not leave pet food outside over night.
Store garbage in metal or tough plastic containers with tight-fitting or locking lids. It may be necessary
to secure the lid with wire or a clamp if it does not lock.
Close dumpster lids each night. Check to make sure that animals are not in the dumpster before closing
the lid.
Exclusion
Attach a heavy duty, commercial grade chimney cap over the top of a chimney.
Repair holes and close all openings to attics. Make sure all animals are out of the building before
sealing openings. To be sure the animal is out, loosely stuff newspaper into the openings during the
morning or afternoon when the animal may be asleep inside. If the newspaper was not moved
overnight after a couple of days, it is safe to proceed with repairs and to close off the animal’s access
points.
Prevent raccoons and other animals from getting under porches or decks. For porches or decks built
within two feet of the ground, dig a trench at least ten inches deep around the deck’s perimeter. Attach
½" × ½" mesh hardware cloth or 1" × 1" welded wire from the top of the outside joists to the bottom of
the trench. Leave six to eight inches of wire at the bottom and bend it out at a 90° angle. Fill the trench
with soil or rocks. Add lattice or other cover for aesthetics.
Repellents and Frightening Devices
Frightening an animal with a combination of noise (a loud radio) and lights (mechanic’s trouble light
or a strobe light) and bad smells like used cat litter or ammonia may discourage an individual from
remaining on your property, but these techniques are usually only temporary solutions. You should
then follow up with exclusion methods.
You can also find some great advice on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website
(www.ohiodnr.com). After all, you are not the only person to have dealt with this issue. Even we wildlife
enthusiasts who tolerate a lot of animal activity on our property have our breaking point when it comes to
inadvertent destruction. However, what we must keep in mind is these animals are exhibiting natural
behaviors of utilizing the most beneficial and advantageous living sites, and it is much easier for us to change
our behavior a little with these mentioned tips than to expect the animals to change. And it is totally worth the
effort so we can go back to enjoying that wildlife around us! Melissa Proffitt
Page 3
Winter Nature TOTS starts in January! Hey ho, the winter winds blow! The snow piles up and the nature tots pile in! Winter Nature TOTS will begin
January 22nd
and run through February19th. That is 5 consecutive Wednesdays of nature exploration for little
ones and their adults! This child centered, hands-on program gives the adult caregivers a weekly breath of
fresh air too! We will begin at 12:30 and spend an hour or so investigating the wonders of winter and end with
a snack and some warm cocoa. What a way to start your winter afternoons. If you have family or friends with
children under 6 years old, think about joining us for an hour of nature exploration and learning at Bull’s Run.
The program is free with your 2014 family membership of $25 or you can pay $5 per session. The
membership entitles you to free Spring and Autumn Nature TOTS, too! For more information, contact Barb at
513-422-5063 or naturalist@bullsrun.org.
Annual Bird Christmas Bird Count Nancy Clark
The 2013 Christmas Bird Count will be held at Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary
and Arboretum on Saturday, December 21, beginning at 9 am (note the new
time). New bird watchers are welcome to join seasoned birders as they hike
the arboretum trails recording the winter visitors to the woods. The hike
usually lasts an hour, sometimes a little longer, if the feathered friends and
weather are cooperating. Expect to see the species commonly observed over
the past thirty-plus years, the cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, sparrows
and woodpeckers. With quiet patience, you may be fortunate enough to
glimpse a brown creeper or a yellow-bellied sapsucker that we spotted last
year. Dress for the weather, bring a bird identification book and binoculars,
if you have them, but not required, and join us for a closer look at the birds
at Bull’s Run. You will also get to know some of the winged visitors to your
own backyard. We will post the results of the walk on the website and facebook page. We would enjoy
comments on what you are seeing at your bird feeder this winter.
Let's grab some branches and get our winter botany on! Hint: It's all about the buds on the branches. Come join us for the popular, third annual Winter Tree
Identification course at Bull's Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum, 3909 Rosedale Rd., Middletown, Ohio,
on Saturday, January 11, 2014, 1:30 - 4:30 pm. A fun afternoon for beginners and those a little more
experienced.
In three hours you will learn how to recognize more than 20 common trees at Bull's Run and in
southwest Ohio; your backyard. We will spend about an hour inside (Church of the Ascension, 2709 McGee
Ave., Middletown -- near Bull's Run) and then move outside for field experience and the real thing! Dress in
layers for the weather.
This year we will be joined by Guest Naturalist and winter botany expert, Tom Hissong, from the
Aullwood Audubon Center. Tom, a naturalist and educator for more than 30 years, will give his power point
presentation and join Bull's Run Naturalist, Barb Reuss and backyard naturalist John Whittington as we learn
how to tell one tree from another in the woods and in your neighborhood...in the winter. Bonus: Some of
these identification skills will work for you year around.
Your walk in the woods will never be the same. Course materials provided.
Workshop fee: $20.00 including course materials and light refreshments. You receive a 50% discount if you
have a 2014 BRNSA membership, either the $15.00 individual or a $25.00 family payable with the insert
provided. See our website to discover other activities. Payment is also possible by PayPal though the website
or cash or check at the workshop. Registration in advance preferred to assure adequate amount of course
materials. To register and for more details call Barb Reuss (513-422-5063) or John Whittington (513-320-
0242/ 513-423-1300). Page 4
A FREE* 5 week program in Jan-Feb 2014
For Preschoolers (ages 6mth-6 yrs) & Caregivers
Child-centered hands-on exploration!
On Wednesdays Jan 22, 29 and Feb 5, 12 & 19 Something new each week!
At Bulls Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum
3909 Rosedale Road in Middletown
Space is Limited - Reserve Now!! Call Barb at 513-422-5063
or email Barb: naturalist@bullsrun.org
*with 2014 Bull’s Run Family membership
National Night Out
On a hot August evening volunteers manned a booth at Sunset Park, sharing hands-on information
about the world of nature and the love of the outdoors with countless children and their families. We set up
our new shade shelter and prepared to apply temporary tattoos on the younger visitors with frogs, butterflies
and ducks. Our puppets entertained all ages with nature facts, while others took a closer look at the fossils
recently donated by Bruce Peters.
Treasures in the Trees The first Treasures in the Trees event was organized by Charlene Newman for the first day of autumn this
year. Charlene coordinated having the following vendors and crafters set up display tables at the shelter with
items for sale and order. Amanda Howard from Scentsy, Tara Fahlberg of Pure Romance, Charlene Newman
from Tastefully Simple, Janie Fitzwater for Thirty One Gifts, Candy Klamo with Tupperware, Susan
Breigenzer for Origami Owl, Amy Hensley with Mary Kay, and Nancy Clark with her own creations. Please
join us when we have more Treasures in the Trees next year.
Page 5
Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum Contributions since June Newsletter
Memberships
Loren E. Ackerman
Rosy Ayala
W. Joyce and Gerald Bradley
Raymonda Brandon
Wilbur Cohen
Ron and Barb Conley
Corbett Cox
Jane Denlinger
John Dupps
Ruby Elam
Don and Betty Elworth
Sheila Fletcher
Dianne Gerber
Gary and Lynn Getter
Jane Gold
Cindy and Scott Grau
Ed and Rose Grau
Nancy Haney
Carolyn Keiffer
Jim and Jeanne Kraft
Ellen and Bill Kukuk
Mike and Priscilla Lane
Dorothy Lawson
Katherine Lawson
Orie and Elinor Loucks
David and Barbara Martin
Les and Phyllis Mills
Imogene Orts
Christine Parker
Kenton Pate
Elizabeth W. Patterson
Pamela Pearson
Margaret Phillips
Melissa Proffitt
Barney Riesbeck
Ruth Sauer
Carole and David Schul
Ed Seamon
Glen and Joan Shivers
Suellyn Shupe
Nicki Slivinski
Eric and Susan Sotzing
Ann Stoutenborough
Ernest and Margaret Sturgill
Jennifer Tierney
Ron and Joyce Williams
Steve and Lisa Wilson
Memorials
In loving memory of
Joseph Thomas:
Ron and Barb Conley
Richard Davies
John and Patricia Dupps
Mary Enochs
Fountains Condo Assoc.
Patricia Gage
Dr. and Mrs. Louis B. Gaker
Elizabeth Grafing
Dr. and Mrs. Ray Kiefhaber
Middletown Garden Club
Lorraine and Gilbert Morris, Jr.
Jennifer, Jimmy and Juan Muzquiz
Patricia Myers
J. Steven Roberts
John and Teresa Sawyer
William and Marge Wooley
In loving memory of
Virginia Christy
Carl and Margaret Fiora
Cindy and Scott Grau
In loving memory of
Rosemary Lyons
Joseph Lyons
In loving memory of Cathy Pate
Kenton Pate
In loving memory of George,
Elaine and Gary Perry
Jo-Annette Perry
In loving memory of
Dodee Saylor
Gene and Pat Saylor
In loving memory of
Mrs. Michael Scorti
Middletown Garden Club
Honorariums
To honor all of my wonderful
Roosevelt “students”
Bruce Peters
Additional Contributions
Ron and Barb Conley
John Dupps
Ruby Elam
Nancy Haney
Orie and Elinor Loucks
Christine Parker
Margaret Phillips
Ruth Sauer
Glen and Joan Shivers
Suellyn Shupe
Bridge Support
Loren E. Ackerman
Jane Denlinger
Carolyn Keiffer
Ron and Joyce Williams
Education
Imogene Orts
In Kind Donations and Services
Miami University Botany Club
Bruce Peters
Ernest Sturgill
Robert Wise
These memberships were received between 6/1/2013 and 12/2/2013. If our records do not reflect your
records, please notify us and we will be sure to include you in our next newsletter where we list new
contributions to Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum. Thank you for your support.
Page 6
Thanks to all who help keep Bull’s Run an important asset of the community!
Thanks to all of the Master Gardeners who
volunteered at Bull’s Run this year to
eradicate honeysuckle and earn the
Outstanding Volunteer Project Award.
Thanks to John Whittington for his help
with prairie education and leading our fifth
annual prairie seminar and tour in August!
Thanks to Ernie Sturgill and David
Leskovac for taking down dead ash trees in
high traffic areas for the safety of our
visitors, as well numerous other projects
along the trails. Thanks to all the guides working with
Nature Tots helping to build a bridge to the
future where each child learns to love and understand the outside world.
Thanks to the City of Middletown for clearing the trees that blocked the blue trail this fall.
Thanks to Ernie Sturgill for refurbishing the old shed, and Greg Martin for moving the shed from
Amanda School to Bull’s Run.
Thanks to Sunshine Preschool at Breiel Church for access to their laminating equipment for the
bulletin board displays at the entrance gate.
Thanks to Katherine Lawson for creating the bulletin board displays monthly.
Thanks to the numerous volunteers who brought craft supplies and food to our fall events!
Thanks to Danbarry for popcorn for the Fall Family Fest!
Thanks to Brian Jorg for a colorful and educational photographic presentation at our annual meeting.
Thanks to the Miami University Middletown Botany Department and Dr. Carolyn Keiffer for
providing Verity Lodge for the annual meeting.
Thanks to the Butler County Master Gardeners for their partnership. Education and volunteerism is
flowing both ways!
Thanks to Bruce Peters for watering and caring for two new trees this summer and keeping the park
free of litter. And an extra “Thank You” for the donation of educational materials accumulated over
years as a science teacher and outdoor education enthusiast!
Thanks to Bob Wise for refurbishing the bird feeders and also to Forest and Debbie Grant for installing
them.
Thanks to all the workday and WOW volunteers!
Thanks to Richard Johnson for seedlings and labor to plant them.
Thanks to those who shop at Kroger and have enrolled in their community rewards program, listing
Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum – agency # 83005.
Thanks to those who shop at Staples and say to put the Rewards toward Bull’s Run 45044.
Thanks to everyone who “likes” us on Facebook.
Thanks to the Episcopal Church of Ascension for their all-around support.
Thanks to Aaron Grant for maintaining our website.
Thanks to all Board members for their enduring support!
To everyone who made Bull's Run part of their 2013 giving and those who plan to contribute in 2014,
we truly appreciate your support!
2014 Membership and Donation form is included in this mailing. Together we are making a difference!
Page 7
Mark your Calendars for Upcoming Events at Bull’s Run
December
Sat. 21 Annual Christmas Bird Count 9-10 am
January
Sat. 11 Winter Tree Identification Class 1:30 - 4:30
pm begins at Episcopal Church of Ascension
then at Bull’s Run
Wed. 22, 29 Winter Nature Tots 12:30 – 1:30 pm
February
Wed. 5, 12 & 19 Winter Nature Tots 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Dates to be announced on the website for a Discussion
Course on
Choices for Sustainable Living in partnership with AAUW
For more information please visit our website www.bullsrun.org
Contact Barb Reuss, Naturalist, to speak to your organization or for a program at Bull’s Run.
Contact her at naturalist@bullsrun.org or 513-422-5063.
Bull’s Run Photo Gallery
Nature Tots Reunion 4H Group Visits BRNSA
Bridge Replacement Project
Page 8
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